INTEGRATION OF NATURA 2000 INTO THE COHESION POLICY WORKING DOCUMENT BY THE EUROPEAN NETWORK OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITIES (ENEA)

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1 INTEGRATION OF NATURA 2000 INTO THE COHESION POLICY WORKING DOCUMENT BY THE EUROPEAN NETWORK OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITIES (ENEA) NOVEMBER 2008

2 Table of contents Why this document? 1. Nature & Lisbon Agenda 1.1 The importance of nature and biodiversity in the context of sustainable development 1.2 Policy context: Cohesion Policy, Biodiversity Policy & Natura 2000; synergies and opportunities between nature & cohesion 2. - What can Cohesion & Nature projects deliver? 3. - Integration of Natura 2000 into the Cohesion Policy: items for discussion 4. - Conclusions & recommendations Key documents ANNEX: Checklist for the assessment of the integration of Natura 2000 in the Cohesion Policy programming period

3 Why this document? This document has been produced by the Working Group on Cohesion Policy & Natura 2000, of the European Network of Environmental Authorities (ENEA). National authorities responsible for Natura 2000, in particular representatives from new EU Member States, relevant NGOs at EU level and the European Commission have participated in the discussions of this working group. ENEA s main goal is to deal with different matters related to the integration of environmental issues into the programming period of the EU Cohesion Policy ENEA is an European platform where environmental authorities and interested parties (NGOs) can meet and discuss the state of play and future in their respective countries of the integration of the environment into the cohesion funds, by promoting a bottom up approach, presenting good practice examples and exchanging information and experiences. The objective of the Working Group is to contribute to integrate Natura 2000 into development programs and projects under the EU Cohesion Policy. Its purpose is to keep Natura 2000 high in the Cohesion Policy agenda and to introduce items for reflection on its integration in this policy sector. This is especially relevant taking into account that the integration approach has been adopted for financing Natura 2000 in the EU. In its Communication on the Financing of Natura 2000 to the Council and the European Parliament 1, the Commission proposed that co-financing Natura 2000 should be accommodated to existing financial instruments. This means that there is not a single financial instrument for Natura 2000 but its needs are to be considered in different mechanisms and policies, including the Cohesion Policy. In the framework of this Working Group, authorities responsible for Natura 2000 at national and EU level and other relevant organisations have been exchanging views and experiences on the progress made towards the full integration of the Natura 2000 in the Cohesion Policy. Searching, promoting and disseminating good examples of projects and programmes benefiting Natura 2000 through the Cohesion Policy has been the initial objective of the Working Group. However, considering the difficulty in obtaining available and widespread evidence on the good use of the funds in favour of Natura 2000, the Working Group has focused at the end of the process on the analysis of the integration of Natura 2000 into the current programming period. This document therefore compiles reflections and concerns on the process of integrating Natura 2000 into the Structural Funds Policies in the current programming period and in the context of the Lisbon agenda. With the aim to improve the integration process, it indicates issues that should be subject to further debate and in depth analysis. There are other matters listed below that have been discussed during the working group meetings and identified as relevant in the integration process. It is important to note that it is not the purpose of this document to elaborate on the following but only to outline the significant value of their consideration: 1 COM (2004) 431 final, 15 th July

4 why nature and biodiversity are important in the context of sustainable development and how nature-related investment supports the aims of the cohesion policy, how the Strategic Environmental Assessment implemented for the first time in the Cohesion policy is contributing to the integration of Natura 2000, the importance of a good communication on Natura 2000 in the framework of the Cohesion Policy, the types of measures, activities and investments that might be supported and what are their benefits. The working document has been produced on the basis of the discussions and exchanges taking place during the meetings held by the working group in 2007 and 2008, the presentations given by different national and regional authorities in Member States and other relevant organisations invited to the meetings. It offers a checklist of items that the working group has considered relevant to look at while undertaking the mid-term evaluation of the operational programmes. This list of questions intends to assist Member States and the Commission in assessing the progress made towards the integration approach Nature & Lisbon Agenda 1.1 The importance of nature and biodiversity in the context of sustainable development The value of biodiversity European nature is vital for attractiveness, livelihood and quality of life of EU regions and must be regarded as an asset for sustainable development and regional cohesion within the EU. Nevertheless, European nature is under threat and biodiversity loss is an issue which is high on the political agenda, both within Europe and world wide. Experts and politicians are increasingly concerned about the rapid loss of genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. Costs and benefits of biodiversity in general and of the Natura 2000 and protected areas in particular are subject to many studies in the EU. The value of biodiversity from ecology, ethics and economic perspectives was presented at the stakeholders conference Biodiversity and the EU, sustaining life, sustaining livelihoods held in Malahide in The main conclusion was that a competitive society greatly depends on its diverse natural assets as well as on the various benefits provided by functioning ecosystems. European society and economy are based on these benefits and a competitive transformation of the economy must necessarily come along with halting the loss of biodiversity. The benefits of biodiversity are also explained in the Communication Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 and beyond, Sustaining ecosystem services for human well being: From an economic perspective, biodiversity provides benefits for present and future generations by way of ecosystem services, goods and values. These services, goods and values include production of food, fuel, fibre and medicines, regulation of water, air and climate, maintenance of soil fertility, cycling of nutrients. It 4

5 is difficult to put precise monetary values on these services worldwide, but estimates suggest they are in the order of hundreds of billions of Euros per year. Furthermore, the very recent interim report The economics of ecosystems and biodiversity (TEEB) presented during the last Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity also demonstrates the huge significance of ecosystems and biodiversity and promotes a better understanding of the true economic value of ecosystem services. In relation to cohesion policy priorities, the Commission working document 2 annexed to the Communication on financing Natura 2000 highlights the importance of the network as significant resource for recreation, tourism and education. This resource provides the basis for a significant part of this important economic sector as well as the potential for expansion often in the remote and marginal areas of the Community where other forms of economic activities are particularly difficult to develop. The purely monetary benefits of conserving biodiversity significantly outweigh the costs. European cost-benefit studies further support the view that investment in biodiversity conservation makes good sense. Creation of employment The potential of Natura 2000 as a network of protected areas across the EU to deliver socio-economic benefits to the European society should not be underestimated in the present round of structural spending. The Cohesion policy provides an opportunity to integrate Natura 2000 needs and to exploit its socio-economic potentials for the benefit of sustainable development and the regional cohesion in the EU. Some case studies have been presented at the group meetings to illustrate the possibilities under the Cohesion Policy. Projects have been financed in Poland directly focusing on employment creation through the European Social Fund in nature protected areas. Likewise, the use of the European Social Fund for employment creation in protected areas is being promoted and monitored in Spain (see case studies presented by the Regional Environmental Centre and the Spanish Biodiversity Foundation in the CD attached). Communication Adequate communication on Natura 2000 is one of the key issues to ensure success in the integration of biodiversity and nature concerns into development policies. The language normally used by nature conservation authorities and environmental NGOs is not understood by developers, with purely protection and conservation technical terms. Concepts such as compatible land uses, cost and benefits of biodiversity and nature conservation, as well as ecosystems services, goods and values should be included in daily communication. The new cohesion policy programming period provides a new opportunity to communicate on Natura 2000 and work hand-in-hand with planner authorities in pursuit of the integration of Natura 2000, especially at regional and local level through partnership and participation in all stages. A key message that must be communicated is 2 Commission Working Document: Annexes to Financing Natura Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament (COM 2004) 431 final 5

6 that Natura 2000 is not intended to stop economic activities, but rather to set the parameters by which these can take place whilst safeguarding Europe s biodiversity. Other messages are summarised in the following table 3 : What is not true Including land in a Natura 200 site affects the ownership of such land Properties automatically lose values as a consequence of Natura 2000 designation All economic activities will be limited Hunting activities are forbidden Any new infrastructure is forbidden Everyday activities will have to undergo an environmental impact assessment What is true Many existing land use practices will continue as before the N2000 designations because they are already compatible with the conservation of the habitats and species present Where the land uses negatively affect species and habitats present, adjustments can often be made without jeopardising productivity Management activities that favour nature conservation can receive additional financial support through EARDF (also LIFE+) Hunting, fishing, tourism and other recreational activities will continue provided that they are managed in a sustainable manner and do not adversely affect the rare species and habitats present or prevent their recovery The involvement of nature conservation authorities and the civil society in all stages of the cohesion fund programming, including the spatial planning process, is crucial to ensure adequate consideration of the Natura 2000 needs and concerns. The promotion of exchanging experiences at EU level on the contribution of Natura 2000 for sectoral policies is also interesting from the communication point of view Policy context: Cohesion Policy, Biodiversity policy & Natura 2000; synergies and opportunities between nature & cohesion Cohesion policy The EU Cohesion Policy aims to assist those regions lagging behind or facing structural difficulties in achieving sustainable development. It can facilitate to create sustainable communities by ensuring that economic, social and environmental issues are tackled trough integrated strategies for renewal, regeneration and development. Socioeconomic disparities need to be reduced, the potential of economic development strengthened, and the capacities of the social and economic governance systems developed in order to enable regions to respond to change efficiently and to mobilise their strengths to promote sustainable and balanced development to the benefit of all. Structural Funds European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF) and the Cohesion Fund will support the Cohesion Policy for Natura 2000,Conservation in partnership, European Commission

7 2013. These funds target different types of projects and are used for regionally identified issues in different countries and regions. While the Structural Funds apply to specific regions and areas suffering from the greatest economic deprivation, the Cohesion Fund applies to the entire territory of countries fulfilling with certain criteria. For rural areas, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) is important for funding measures relevant to for the conservation of biodiversity and Natura Implementation of Natura 2000 is an explicit goal of the fund and offers a larger scope for projects in Natura 2000 sites in the framework of Rural Development Programmes. The national strategic frameworks show how these three funds (ERDF, ESF and Cohesion Fund), plus the EAFRD and the new European Fisheries Fund (EFF), complement each other and ensure optimal use of the funds to create synergies 4. EU Biodiversity policy and Natura 2000 The EU has a stated political aim, dating from the 2001 European summit in Gothenburg, to halt the decline of biodiversity by At a global level, in 2002, the EU joined some 130 world leaders in agreeing to significantly reduce the rate of biodiversity loss by To achieve these ambitious targets, in 2006 the European Commission put forward a Communication on halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 and beyond, together with a detailed Biodiversity Action Plan, outlining the necessary actions and supporting measures to be taken by the EU and its Member States. While this EU agenda for biodiversity confirms the central importance of existing legislation and in particular the Natura 2000 network, it also sets out a more comprehensive and inclusive vision for biodiversity protection that extends to supporting measures. One of these is to build more effective partnerships, both at the level of the EU and in the Member States. This thinking is in line with the global commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). At the heart of the EU nature conservation and biodiversity policy, Natura 2000 is the European ecological network of sites established under the Habitats Directive 5. Its main purpose is the protection of habitat types and plant and animal species of Community interest in the European Union. It comprises both special areas of conservation (SACs) designated under the 1992 Habitats Directive, and special protection areas (SPAs) classified under the 1979 Birds Directive 6. Member States must take all necessary measures to guarantee the conservation of habitats and species and ensure that economic activities are compatible with their conservation. The completion of the network is nearly achieved. More than Natura 2000 sites have been adopted in the EU-27 (Natura 2000 Barometer June 2008), 4 More detailed information can be found in the following link: 5 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. 6 Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds. 7

8 representing about 20% of the EU territory. Finalising the Community lists of sites is one of the current priorities for Natura Increasing attention is being paid to the effectively management of the network, in accordance with the provisions of article 6 of the Habitats Directive. The aim is maintaining or restoring the rare species and habitats present at a favourable conservation status while ensuring the implementation of sustainable development practices. Natura 2000 should not be understood exclusively as strict conservation and protection of nature but mechanisms are established through the adequate implementation of article 6 to guarantee the sustainable development of the network. The proposed management options must also take account of economic, social and cultural requirements of the area concerned as well as their regional and local characteristics. A whole set of different management plans, schemes and strategies are currently being implemented in Natura 2000 sites throughout the EU for the maintenance of habitat or species in favourable conservation status. With the aim to communicate on such experiences, the Commission has prepared a document on good practices in managing Natura 2000 sites 7. Some of the ongoing habitat management measures include: - Implementation of management schemes and agreements with owners and managers of land or water for following certain prescriptions (like allowing for hedgerows, creating riparian belts, apply special sylvicultural treatments to old growth forests, prevention of clear felling, etc). - Provisions of services; compensation for rights foregone and loss of income - Monitoring and surveying - Risk management (fire prevention and control, flooding, etc.) - Surveillance of the sites - Provision of information and publicity material - Training and education - Facilities to encourage visitor use and appreciation of Natura 2000 sites How can Cohesion policy contribute in achieving the objectives set out for the Natura 2000 Network? Cohesion policy can contribute to finalising the Community lists of sites. The activities needed to this end include the administration of the selection process, elaboration of scientific studies/inventories for the identification of sites surveys, inventories, mapping, condition assessment and preparation of information and publicity material. Support can be provided for the completion of this task from ERDF and ESF, mainly to new Member States. Actions required for the administration and maintenance of the infrastructure of the network as well as management measures can be integrated in the programming phases and supported by the structural funds, including: preparation of management plans, strategies and schemes, establishment of management bodies; Consultation public meetings, liaison with landowners; Review of management plans, strategies and 7 8

9 schemes; Running costs of management bodies (maintenance of buildings and equipment); Maintenance of facilities for public access and use of the sites, interpretation works, observatories and kiosks, etc.; Staff (conservation /project officers, wardens/rangers, workers). Cohesion policy can also contribute by ensuring connectivity and territorial planning. The long-term conservation of the habitats types and species within Natura 2000 cannot be achieved by protecting isolated localities but requires the creation of a genuine ecological network of sites containing habitats and species of importance and their effective management. This needs to be supplemented by implementing other measures for conservation in the wider countryside, as set out in article 10 of the Habitats Directive and in the Community biodiversity strategy and action plans. The Communication on halting the loss of Biodiversity by 2010 and its action plan recognize the need for a wider terrestrial, freshwater and marine environment favourable to biodiversity and outline actions to conserve and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services in the wider EU countryside. The following priority actions are highlighted in the strategy for developing instruments to improve the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in areas located outside N2000 protected areas: taking account of biodiversity in policies affecting soil such as agricultural policy, fisheries, aquaculture, Structural Funds and the urban environment, and incorporating biodiversity in cross-sectoral environmental measures. Overview of synergies and opportunities between nature & cohesion Both the Cohesion Policy and Natura 2000 have sustainable development as a basic principle, even though their primary objectives are different, i.e. development & conservation. Although at first sight the new cohesion policy appears to be focussed on economic growth, sustainable development is among the Community s central priorities by making specific reference to the Gothenburg objectives, therefore giving a chance to biodiversity and Natura Natura 2000 can make interesting contributions to the Lisbon strategy, since a significant number of local jobs can be supported through Natura 2000 related activities, diversifying rural employment opportunities, contributing to the creation of new jobs within the framework of sustainable development, encouraging skills retention and development and therefore reinforcing territorial cohesion. Structural funds can provide opportunities for financing sustainable development within Natura 2000 sites, through the promotion of new jobs, capacity building, training and environmental investments, including actions for the protection of biodiversity. For the first time, the ERDF foresees investments in Natura 2000 sites. The cohesion policy provides a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable development in areas of high nature value in which support is most needed for Natura Most of these areas are located in regions lagging behind and new EU Member States receiving the bulk of the funds. The Structural Funds can play an important role in promoting the information society, therefore contributing to sustainable development in Natura 2000 sites. 9

10 Natura 2000 makes a substantial contribution not only to EU environmental policy, but can also contribute towards regional and agricultural/rural development policies. Natura 2000 sites are frequently integrated into local development policies, associated with eco-tourism and low impact development. Nature related tourism makes a significant contribution to rural areas. Support from the ERDF and ESF can be provided for a wide range of activities within the current Natura 2000 priorities: ranging from the completion of the lists of Sites of Community Importance, mainly to the new Member States, to management planning, training and capacity building in the environment and biodiversity sector and administration and maintenance of the network related infrastructure What can Cohesion & Nature projects deliver? Searching, promoting and disseminating good examples of projects and programmes benefiting Natura 2000 through the Cohesion Policy has been one of the objectives of the Working Group and several EU Member States and regions have been invited to present cases of positive investment. All presentations can be found in the CD attached to this document. As for new Member States, due to their short experience in receiving EU funding, studies and presentations have mainly dealt with existing programs and possibilities for funding Natura 2000 and nature conservation, under Structural Funds and other instruments, e.g. EAFRD and LIFE+ (Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland and Malta). Old Member States have presented examples of positive investment & good practice, e.g. Liguria Regional Strategy for Biodiversity in Italy and the investment for Natura 2000 in Andalusia and Castilla y León (Spain) made by EU funds in the period BirdLife also presented interesting cases in Poland, Bulgaria, Belgium, Spain and UK challenging the idea that nature protection means refusing economic development, demonstrating that biodiversity is a regional asset and that attractive places can attract jobs. It showed other means by which structural funds can support biodiversity benefits. It has to be noted that while undertaking the exercise of searching good examples, the lack of methodologies for monitoring investment and effectiveness of spending in Natura 2000 has been clearly identified, both from the conservation and socio-economic point of view. This should be taken into account from now onwards. But most importantly, there is an urgent need to carry out monitoring and assessment of the integration approach through the setting up of indicators, definition of thresholds and conditionality in Cohesion Policy spending Integration of Natura 2000 into the Cohesion Policy: items for discussion A number of questions have been prepared with a view to be considered by Member States in their assessments of the integration of Natura 2000 into the current 10

11 programming period. It is the opinion of the working group that this checklist, annexed to this document, might assist the responsible authorities in Member States to analyze the progress made and facilitate the identification of matters requiring further consideration to ensure the full integration of biodiversity and nature concerns and needs in the Cohesion Policy. The mid-term evaluation of the operational programmes provides a good opportunity to reflect on the gaps/aspects hereby highlighted. As a general remark the working group can conclude on a number of key aspects that should be subject to further discussion and in depth analysis: Contribution of SEA for the integration of Natura 2000 into the Cohesion Policy. To date this contribution has been considered very limited. Projects and/or programmes affecting negatively Natura 2000 have occurred in the past and there is no effective mechanism in place to avoid it in the current programming round. Diagnosis of the needs of Natura 2000 and biodiversity protection to guide the setting of priorities and objectives to be financed. The types of actions and measures to be financed have to respond to the analysis of needs and objectives. Thus, undertaking a re-orientation and improvement of the investments for the implementation of the N2000 network. Development of a specific operational programme for the implementation of Natura Investments on direct conservation measures not addressed through other funds. Participation of the responsible authorities for Natura 2000 in all stages of the programming period. 11

12 4. - Conclusions & recommendations The way forward o Searching, promoting and disseminating good examples of projects and programmes benefiting Natura 2000 through the Cohesion Policy has presented difficulties. Although some examples have been found is several Member States, available and widespread evidence of the good use of the funds in favour of Natura 2000 can not be mentioned as a conclusion by the working group. o The need to implement methodologies for monitoring investment and effectiveness of spending in Natura 2000, both from the conservation and socioeconomic point of view, should be taken into consideration from now onwards. There is an urgent need to carry out monitoring and assessment of the integration approach through the setting up of indicators, definition of thresholds and conditionality in Cohesion Policy spending. o For the first time, the ERDF foresees investments in Natura 2000 sites. However, there is a general feeling that real Natura 2000 funding needs are not being met through the integration approach and in particular that participation from the Cohesion Policy is clearly insufficient for Natura Both Member States and the Commission should make a critical revision of the integration approach for financing Natura 2000, addressing all necessary improvements including the need for a specific fund for the EU network of protected sites. o The mid-term evaluation of the OP is a relevant milestone that can provide a new opportunity to re-orient and improve investment for the implementation of the network. A diagnosis of the situation and needs of the Natura 2000 should be taken into account, as well as a strategy for financing actions in Natura 2000, considering basic and priority needs identified and coordination with other EU funds, mainly EAFRD. It is also an excellent opportunity to carry out an effective and coordinated SEA, addressing and amending the deficiencies initially detected o All necessary steps should be taken to reinforce active participation of relevant authorities responsible for Natura 2000 in national and regional administrations in all stages of the forthcoming planning processes and implementation phases, including the mid-term review and the monitoring committees. 12

13 Key documents - Guidance Handbook on Financing Natura 2000 (June 2007) and IT tool. handbook_update/financing_2007pdf/_en_1.0_&a=d - Commission Communication tool - Financing Natura 2000, Guidance Handbook, WWF & IEEP - Conservation in partnership, European Commission - Renewed Sustainable Development Strategy - Financing Natura 2000, Commission Working Document and annexes - The value of Biodiversity, Insights from Ecology, Ethics and Economics Stakeholders Conference Biodiversity and the EU Sustaining Life, Sustaining Livelihoods. Ireland MALAHIDE/INF/1 - How Green is the Future of EU Cohesion Policy? A WWF score-card analysis of the Regional Funds programming for May

14 ANNEX: Checklist for the assessment of the integration of Natura 2000 in the Cohesion Policy programming period Integration of actions for the Natura 2000 Network in the ERDF programming 1.- Does the NSRF, in your Member State, include any category of expenditure for actions aimed at implementing the Natura 2000 Network? If yes, specify 2.- Are there any other categories of expenditure that include measures designed for the implementation of the Natura 2000 Network? If yes, specify 3.- Is there any ERDF Operational Programme specifically aimed at the implementation of the Natura 2000 Network in your Member State? If yes, explain the main objectives of the programme? 4.- To what extent has the SEA procedure contributed to integrate Natura 2000 into ERDF Regional Operational Programmes of your Member State? Has the SEA procedure been coordinated with the development of the ERDF Operational Programmes? Definition and justification of actions aimed at implementing Natura 2000 Network 5.- Interventions, included in the ERDF Regional Operational Programmes, aimed at implementing Natura 2000 Network, have been defined: 6.- Has any diagnosis of the Natura 2000 Network management needs been included or considered within the NSRF and/or the ERDF Regional Operational Programmes of your Member State? 7.- Has any strategy for the implementation of the Natura 2000 Network been included or considered within the NSRF and/or the ERDF Regional Operational Programmes of your Member State? Suitability of the interventions aimed at implementing Natura 2000 Network 8.- Are the interventions related to the Natura 2000 Network, included in the ERDF Regional Operational Programmes of your Member State, adequate for the actual conservation needs of the Natura 2000 Network? 9.- Are the interventions related to Natura 2000 Network, included in the ERDF Regional Operational Programmes, significant to face the management needs for the preservation of the Natura 2000 Network? High Medium Low ne Slightly In detail Management Conserv ation actions What key aspects for the Natura 2000 Network management are included? Monitoring actions Management assessment Public use Participation Knowledge improv ement 10.- Do the interventions related to the Natura 2000 Network, included in the ERDF Regional Operational Programmes of your Member State, comprise any action aimed at improving Natura 2000 connectivity? If yes, specify what kind of actions 14

15 11.- Does the ERDF trans-european cooperation Operational Programmes, in which your Member State participates, take into account actions directly aimed at implementing the Natura 2000 Network? If yes, specify what kind of actions Types of interventions aimed at implementing the Natura 2000 Network Management Conserv ation actions 12.- Which of the planned interventions, included in the ERDF Regional Operational Programmes, predominate? Monitoring actions Management assessment Public use Participation Knowledge improv ement Inf rastructures 13.- Natura 2000 Network interventions, included in the ERDF Regional Operational Programmes, focus on: Programming and l i Other. Specif y : 14.- Are the interventions related to the Natura 2000 Network, included in the ERDF Regional Operational Programmes, specifically aimed at implementing the Network or do they respond to the promotion of other sectors such as: Tourism Forest management Other. Specif y : Significant information 15.- List the main interventions related to the Natura 2000 Network, included in the ERDF Regional Operational Programmes 16.- Have the Natura 2000 Network managing Authorities and/or any environmental organisation, of your Member State, participated in the planning and/or execution of the ERDF? If yes, indicate at what stage: development of the NSRF, implementation, monitoring and assessment of ERDF Operational Programmes, etc: Do these authorities/organisations participate in the ERDF Monitoring Committees? 17. Is it defined within the ERDF Operational Programmes any coordination mechanism with other funds (ESF, CF, EFF and EARDF) as regards the implementation of the Natura 2000 Network with the aim to promote synergies? If yes, detail such mechanisms 18.- Can you indicate any improvement proposal for an effective integration of the Natura 2000 Network, within the Regional Operational Programmes of your Member State? ENEA: European Network of Environmental Authorities ERDF: European Regional Development Fund NSRF: National Strategic Reference Framework SEA: Strategic Environmental Assessment 15